BERROW slumped to their third straight league defeat at the hands of struggling Ilminster at Red Road on Saturday.

After Ilminster had taken an early lead, Craig Hirons equalised with a smartly taken goal.

But from here, Ilminster took control and raced into a 4-1 lead before substitute Ross McErlain added a late consolation for Berrow. With a strong wind blowing across the pitch, Berrow struggled to pass the ball and were put under pressure from the off.

With the Ilminster right-winger causing problems, it was him who created the first goal with a run and cross which was turned in at the back post.

Berrow then suffered a further blow with Pete John forced off through injury - Steve Osgood took his place.

The home side equalised on 15 minutess when a quick free kick from Luke McErlain found Craig Hirons unmarked and he did well to prod the ball past the on rushing ‘keeper.

Berrow then had a good spell, with Lismore rounding the keeper after Luke McErlain’s clever pass - but he lost his footing at the crucial moment and his shot was eventually blocked.

Smith then had a goal disallowed, before Ilminster retook the lead when a poor clearance rebounded off the chasing striker and ended up in the back of the net.

Jeff Read replaced Tom Yates after the interval as Berrow tried to get a grip on the game, but were three down on 65 minutes when Kane Powell did well to block a dangerous cross from the right, but his clearance hit Kyle McErlain and trickled over the line.

Minutes later it was four when another cross from the right was well finished from the penalty spot.

Ross McErlain pulled a goal back from a well-placed free-kick with seven minutes remaining, but Ilminster held on to take the three points.